Issue Date:  -  Monday, 20 September 2004

Vaccinations against Q fever a must

Workers in the livestock industry and other occupations that involve handling animals have been reminded that they need to be vaccinated against the potentially deadly disease Q Fever.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that awareness of the need for Q Fever vaccination appeared to have waned, and a reminder was required.

“WorkSafe inspectors in regional areas have expressed concern recently that the high-risk season for Q Fever is approaching, and awareness of the need for vaccination is not as high as we would hope,” Ms Lyhne said.

“Summer weather brings the potential of an increase in dust, which increases the risk of transmission of the disease, so action needs to be taken now.”

Q Fever is a zoonosis (a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans) that can lead to hospitalisation and even death.

The employees most at risk are abattoir workers, farmers, shearers, tanners and stock transport workers, as well as veterinarians and zoo employees.

The disease is most frequently transmitted via inhalation of airborne bacteria or through entry to the body via open wounds or cuts.

Symptoms can appear similar to the flu, including high fever, profuse sweating, extreme fatigue and muscle and joint pain.

A percentage of cases lead to the highly incapacitating post-Q Fever Fatigue Syndrome, which has much more severe symptoms and has been known to last for several years.

The vaccine is readily available from medical practitioners, and should be utilised by anyone in a high-risk industry.

Vaccinated workers are provided with a zoonosis card that must be carried to prove they have been vaccinated.

These cards can also provide an alert to medical staff that the carrier may have a zoonosis if, for instance, the person is not conscious.

“Employers have a duty of care under the occupational safety and health legislation to provide employees with a safe working environment,” Ms Lyhne said.

“This includes protecting employees from potentially deadly diseases by ensuring vaccination is carried out and ensuring that a Q Fever card is carried by employees who may be at risk.

“Q Fever can kill, so I urge both employers and employees in high risk industries to ensure all at-risk workers are vaccinated.”